Tips to avoid being scammed by non-payers - what red flags to look for?

[KookyNotOoky]

Have just been burnt now a second time by a no-payer - cost of potential recovery will outweigh the sum owed, and doubt he will pay anyway, so looks like I'm going to have to write it off.
Am kicking myself here, as with a bit of online digging I would have realised this guy has a poor rep in the market and would have avoided, or at least insisted on a retainer upfront.
I'd appreciate people's experiences with this problem, and what red flags people would suggest to look out for.
My 2 cents:
. person has a string of companies that have failed/been struck off (check your local company register)
. any negative media reports e.g. involvement in scams/crimes etc.
. excessive number of negative online reviews
. the person comes across as untrustworthy, or is aggressive and disrespectful
. person has made it difficult to track their location

I don’t know what your business is. I am self-employed and I always take payment upfront. No payment, no service.

What are you selling/service are you offering? Can you take a deposit? I take a 50% deposit at point of order which more than covers my costs, although I've never actually had a non payer as they have to pay the balance to take the item!

I think a lot of people must pay slowly or not at all. I just cancelled my milkman (commercial so large volumes) and they are desperately trying to get my business back- told me today it will seriously affect their cash flow as they have so many late payers whereas I pay the day the invoice comes in

It's a really shit thing to do, so immoral

thanks, yes I have considered asking for upfront payment, however it does send the message to new customers that I basically don't trust them, not the best way to start things off when I am aiming for repeat business. I think I will do more due diligence in the future, and insist on it if there's any red flags.

You need to watch for a company who makes a couple of small orders and pays on time, then they follow up with a huge order which they do not pay for. If you get a huge order after a couple of small ones explain that it is above your floor level and will need to be paid by pro-forms invoice before delivery or commencement of work.